Bill earned 10 varsity letters at Youngsville High School in football, basketball, and track and field. In football, he was named the best county running back during his 1958 senior year. In track and field, he qualified for the PIAA meet each of his 4 years in 3 separate events. Bill earned the 1958 silver medal in both the 100 yard dash and the 440 yard run. He was offered a number of Division 1 athletic scholarships from programs such as Ohio State, Florida State, and Pitt. He chose to sign a baseball contract with the Boston Red Sox whose system he played in for 5 years. Bill was the first legal "bonus baby" signed by Boston.
